One Thank You Away

What if the breakthrough you've been longing for is closer than you think? What if you're only one heartfelt "thank You" away?

In Luke 17, Jesus tells a brief parable about a servant who finishes working in the field. Before sitting down to eat, the servant first prepares a meal for his master. It's a simple picture, but it reveals a powerful principle: God deserves first place. Before we focus on what we want from Him, our hearts should be set on honoring Him. It's a reminder of what could be called "Holy Ghost etiquette"—Him first.

Luke then immediately transitions into the account of the ten lepers. All ten cried out for mercy. All ten obeyed Jesus' instruction to go show themselves to the priest. And as they went, they were cleansed. The miracle didn't happen before they obeyed—it happened while they were walking in faith.

Sometimes God doesn't reveal the outcome before we take the step of obedience. He simply asks us to trust Him. As we move according to His Word, He begins to work in ways we could never accomplish on our own.

Yet the story doesn't end with cleansing. Only one of the ten turned around. Only one interrupted his journey to return to Jesus. With a loud voice, he glorified God, fell at His feet, and gave thanks. Jesus' response reveals something remarkable. While all ten were cleansed, only the thankful one was made whole.

There is a difference between receiving a blessing and experiencing complete restoration.

Cleansing removed the leprosy, but wholeness restored what had been lost. Gratitude positioned this man for something greater than he even asked for. That challenges every one of us. It's easy to seek God when we need something. It's another thing entirely to return simply to thank Him.

Scripture consistently connects thanksgiving with spiritual health. Romans warns of hearts that drifted because they became unthankful, while Paul reminds believers that, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God concerning you."

Perhaps the question today isn't, "Where are the nine?" Maybe it's, "Will I be the one?"

The one who pauses to worship instead of rushing ahead. The one who remembers the Source instead of only celebrating the gift. The one who gives God the honor He deserves before moving on to the next season.

Maybe your next miracle isn't found in asking for something new. Maybe you're just one thank you away from discovering the wholeness that God has always intended for your life.

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Family Worship Center | 1 Restoration Way, Plaster Rock NB | familyworship.ca

Recap of message by Bishop Donald Tipton